Bury Integrated Safeguarding Partnership

Working together to safeguard adults and children in Bury

What to do if you are worried a child is being abused

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you should contact:

Bury Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team on 0161-253-5678 or outside of office hours the Emergency Duty Team on 0161-253-6606; or
Greater Manchester Police on 101.

If the child is in immediate danger ring Greater Manchester Police on 999.

If you are a professional and wish to make a referral please refer to Procedures and useful documents on this website for interagency referral forms and the link to the safeguarding procedures.

Signs of abuse

The following may help you decide whether a child's welfare is at risk of abuse, harm or neglect. A child is defined as a person who has not yet reached the age of 18 years.

Signs which may suggest physical abuse

Any bruising to a baby - pre-walking stage
Multiple bruising to different parts of the body
Bruising of different colours indicating repeated injuries
Fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
Burns of any shape or size
An injury for which there is no adequate explanation
A parent or carer who fakes or induces symptoms of physical illness in their child.

Signs of possible sexual abuse

Something a child has told you
Something a child has told someone else
A child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play or with other children
A child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
A child who may be being targeted by older adults for sex
A child who may be visiting or being looked after by a known or suspected sexual offender.

Signs which may suggest emotional harm

The following signs may be present in children whose parents are over-critical and emotionally distant, or who are unable to meet their child's emotional needs:

Children whose behaviour is excessive. For example, excessive bed wetting, overeating, rocking, head banging
Children who self harm. For example, they may cut or scratch themselves or overdose
Children who attempt suicide
Children or young people who persistently run away from home
Children who show high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
Children who usually seek out or avoid affection.

Signs which may suggest neglect

Squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions
Parents who fail to attend to their children's health or development needs
Children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
Children who continually appear tired or lacking in energy
Children who suffer frequent injuries due to lack of supervision.

Positive ways of protecting children

What children need

To feel safe and secure
Health and happiness
Appropriate affection
Lots of smiles
Praise and encouragement
To be able to talk to someone
To be listened to
New experiences
Respect for their feelings
Rewards and treats.